‘I know that! But seriously, Dolly, Georgio was the same. I never really realised it before, but you all treat me like I’m fifteen, yet I’m nearly forty years old. Even Davey and Carol wanted to run me home from the car lot today! I mean, Dolly, I’m quite capable of making a cup of tea, for Christ’s sake!’

Dolly was flabbergasted. Never before had she heard Donna talk like that. Not once in all the years she’d worked for the Brunoses. She felt the real threat of tears and turning abruptly away, went back to her cake mixture.

Donna closed her eyes so tightly it hurt. ‘I’m sorry, Dolly, you didn’t deserve that.’

The housekeeper lifted her shoulders and said, ‘I deserved it. You’re right, I do treat you like a child. You’re like me own flesh and blood, Donna. I don’t mean anything by it. I like looking after you. Gawd knows, I’d work here for free. I love you, girl. I always have.’

Donna went to the woman and put her arms around the ample waist. ‘And I like being looked after, most of the time. I’m just an old crosspatch today. Forgive me, Dolly?’

Dolly sniffed loudly and sighed. ‘Of course I forgive you. Now are you making that tea or not? Me throat’s as dry as a buzzard’s crutch!’

‘Oh, Dolly, that’s gross!’

Dolly laughed good-naturedly. ‘My old dad used to say his mouth felt like the inside of a Turkish wrestler’s jockstrap. Now that’s gross!’ Her voice was stronger now, like the old Dolly.

Donna chuckled as she prepared the tea, and felt as if she had won a small victory. She loved Dolly with all her heart and soul but lately it had occurred to her that they all treated her like she was made of fine china. It had never bothered her before, or had it?

Georgio had always made the decisions, down to what cars they drove and what colours to decorate the house. He even insisted on planning the menus and ordering in the wines when they had people to dinner. Over the years she had come to resent his decision-making, especially when he organised a holiday, the destination, hotel and flights, without once consulting her. He even told her how her hair should be cut. She had suppressed these feelings but now they were surfacing. Donna had the distinct feeling that she was emerging from a cocoon, and smiled to herself at the metaphor. Donna Brunos, wife of Georgio Brunos, Testosterone King and Essex Man, is gradually tur n-ing into a person in her own right. Now for the rest of the News . . .

She laughed at her thoughts and Dolly grinned at her.

‘A penny for ’em?’

Donna put the mugs of tea on to the table and smiled. ‘They’re not worth a penny. Come and drink your tea.’